Peter Dutton
Leader of the Opposition, Member for Dickson
About Peter
Peter started his working life working part time after school in a butcher’s shop.
He later started a small family business which grew to employ 40 Australians.
For nine years, Peter served his community as a Police Officer.
He worked in the National Crime Authority and Drug and Sex Offenders Squads, with a focus on protecting women and children.
Peter was elected to Parliament in 2001. In 2006 John Howard appointed him Assistant Treasurer.
During his time as Minister for Health, Peter increased hospital funding by 16% over two years and established the $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
As Home Affairs Minister, Peter oversaw critical agencies like the Australian Federal Police and ASIO.
As Minister for Immigration and Border Protection, Peter was responsible for deporting thousands of violent criminals, overseeing Operation Sovereign Borders, and removing all children from detention.
As Minister for Defence, Peter delivered record funding for vital equipment to keep our country safe. He also helped deliver the AUKUS security partnership with the UK and the United States.
Peter is married to Kirilly and is the proud father of Rebecca, Harry and Tom.
The Latest From Peter
Stay up to date with Peter’s social content.
@kiamaslsc is at the heart of the Kiama community—most importantly, they save lives.
Volunteers across Australia do incredible work, and that’s why we’re committed to supporting local clubs nationwide.
It was a pleasure to join Andrew Constance, @braggsenator local volunteers, and supporters to announce $512,000 to upgrade their facilities.
As we head into the Christmas period, please remember to swim between the flags and stay safe on our beaches.
Catching up with locals at the @huskissonhotel tonight with Andrew Constance – a great community gathering!
A Coalition government will invest in critical services like water, roads, and power to unlock land for housing.
We want to help get more housing lots built, supporting communities and industries like those at Manildra Group’s Shoalhaven Starches site—a great example of how investment creates jobs and supports local communities.
By backing policies that deliver housing and jobs, we can build stronger foundations for regional Australia.
The arson attack on a synagogue in Melbourne is an abhorrent act that has no place in Australia.
We have seen a disturbing rise in anti-Semitism since October 7 last year—manifesting in vile incidents on university campuses, online, and in our communities. This firebombing is a tragic escalation of hatred that cannot be ignored or tolerated.
Jewish Australians should not need armed guards at schools or places of worship to feel safe. This is an indictment of the failure of national leadership to address anti-Semitism and protect our communities.
Today, we stand unequivocally with the Jewish community and reaffirm our commitment to combatting the disgraceful rise in anti-Semitism in Australia.
@brendansmall4dobell and I met with Gary, Melissa, and their incredible team at @signaramatuggerah to hear about their experiences running a small business and the challenges they’re facing.
We also met with other small business owners from the Tuggerah Business Park, who spoke about the real impact the cost-of-living crisis is having on their businesses.
Small businesses are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve a government that will stand by them, not make life harder.
Labor’s Port Stephens offshore wind zone threatens the region`s pristine coastline, marine life, and tourism—and local concerns about this botched project have been shut out and ignored.
The Prime Minister and his Energy Minister, Chris Bowen, have shown complete disregard for the people of Port Stephens, Newcastle, and the Hunter in their desperate attempt to achieve their ideological target of a renewables-only electricity grid.
A Dutton Coalition government will rescind this offshore wind zone and prioritise the concerns of local residents.
I was delighted to join locals today to let them know that the Coalition hears their concerns and will always stand up for Port Stephens.
Communities should always come first.
A Dutton Coalition government will rescind the Port Stephens Offshore Wind Zone because residents’ concerns must be heard and respected.
The Albanese government has ignored serious issues raised by locals in Port Stephens, Newcastle, and the Hunter—threatening treasured waterways, whale populations, tourism, and recreational fishing.
Labor’s deeply flawed process has left the community divided, with many residents shut out and unheard.
@laurenceantcliff4paterson has listened and fought for Port Stephens future.
We’re standing up for the people of Port Stephens—because decisions like these should work for Australians, not against them.
Hundreds of volunteers and local residents joined us in Gosford tonight in support of @lucywickscc.
I’m proud that Lucy has put herself forward to serve the people of Robertson once again. She has a proven track record of delivering for Central Coast families and small businesses.
The people of Robertson deserve strong, local leadership—and Lucy is ready to deliver that as their local representative.
Meeting with small business owners and local residents in the Northern Beaches today with our hard-working candidates, @jamesbrown4mackellar and @jaimee_rogers.
James and Jaimee are both passionate about standing up for their communities, especially as families here struggle with rising living and energy costs and a housing affordability crisis.
It’s clear the Northern Beaches deserves strong local advocates, and with James and Jaimee, that’s exactly what they’ll get.
Electricity bills are now up to $1,000 higher than what Anthony Albanese promised three years ago.
You couldn’t believe him then, and you can’t trust him now.
Australians deserve affordable, reliable, and cleaner power—and that’s what a Coalition government will deliver.
Three years ago today, Anthony Albanese promised to cut your power bills by $275.
Now, they’re up to $1,000 higher than what was promised.
You couldn’t believe the Prime Minister three years ago, and you certainly can’t trust him now. We are on an energy policy trainwreck under Labor.
Australians deserve affordable, reliable, and cleaner power. That’s exactly what a Coalition government under my leadership will deliver.
Since Anthony Albanese was elected, household electricity hardship has skyrocketed by 79 per cent.
This is despite the Prime Minister promising to cut electricity bills by $275—yet bills are now up to $1,000 higher than what he promised.
Australians are paying the price for Labor’s energy crisis and renewables-only policy, which is driving up electricity bills and increasing the risk of blackouts in our energy grid.
Achievements in Government
DEFENCE
Peter Dutton served as Australia’s Minister for Defence from March 2021 until May 2022. During this period,
Peter:
- Negotiated AUKUS – the most significant advance in Australia’s defence capability in history.
Australia will now acquire a fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and is just the second country (after the UK) to benefit from this US technology. - Restored Defence Funding to 2% of GDP.
This followed Labor slashing Defence funding to lowest level since 1938. - Oversaw the most significant national shipbuilding enterprise since World War II.
- Delivered “REDSPICE” – Australia’s largest investment in intelligence and cyber capabilities.
REDSPICE triples Australia’s offensive cyber capabilities. And doubles our ability to detect and respond to cyber attacks.
HOME AFFAIRS
Peter Dutton was Australia’s Minister for Home Affairs (2017 to 2021) and Minister for Immigration and Border Protection (2014 to 2018). As Minister, Peter Dutton:
- Ensured no illegal boat arrivals and saw all children removed from detention.
- Cancelled visas of 6,300 non-citizen dangerous criminals – including for domestic violence, child sex offenses, assault and armed robbery.
- Established world-leading Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation.
- Closed Australia’s borders early in COVID-19 pandemic – helping save around 40,000 lives.
During this period:
- Security agencies thwarted over 20 terrorist attacks, with ASIO and AFP having record funding and
strengthened powers. - Westpac was hit with largest fine in Australian history ($1.3 billion) for contravening anti-terror and
anti-money laundering legislation.
HEALTH
As Health Minister (2013 to 2014), Peter Dutton:
- Increased hospital funding by 16%.
From $13.3 billion in 2012-13 to $15.5 billion in 2014-15. - Increased overall health funding 5.5%
From $62.2 billion in 2012-13 to $65.6 billion in 2014-15. - Established Australia’s $20 billion Medical Research Future Fund.
- Expanded youth mental health service Headspace – to 100 centres in 2014 Budget.
After successfully lobbying for 60 centres as Shadow Minister in 2010. - Expanded bowel cancer screening for 50–74-year-olds.
Cancer Council said this would save 35,000 lives over the next 40 years. - Delivered more GP training places and nursing scholarships.
ASSISTANT TREASURER
As Assistant Treasurer (2006 and 2007), Peter Dutton was part of John Howard and Peter Costello’s economic team that delivered surpluses and lowered taxes.
- Oversaw the expansion of the superannuation co-contribution scheme.
Helping low- and middle-income earners – and particularly women – to save for their retirement. - Simplified the tax system, reducing compliance costs for small business and providing greater support for primary producers suffering through drought.
- Reformed and simplified the fuel tax system for Australian businesses.